Beyond its picturesque landscapes and warm hospitality, Hawaii is also renowned for its unique desserts that perfectly capture the islands’ essence. The art of creating sweet treats in the Aloha State is all about blending flavors and textures, with pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts being staples. But what truly sets Hawaiian desserts apart are the creative twists and local ingredients used to craft truly unforgettable experiences.
From traditional recipes passed down through generations to innovative takes on classic favorites, there’s a Hawaiian dessert for every palate. In this sense, Hawaii’s culinary scene is a true reflection of its people – warm, inviting, and full of life. And with 21 mouthwatering desserts to explore, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to planning your next tropical-themed party or staycation.
Try your hand at making the Guava Chiffon Cake, Instant Pot Kulolo, or Lilikoi Bars, each offering a distinct flavor profile that will leave you wanting more. And then there’s #20, a showstopper that combines sweet, fruity, and tangy notes in a single bite – a true masterpiece.
Haupia (Coconut Pudding)
Haupia, a classic Hawaiian coconut pudding, is a staple at luaus and potlucks. Its simplicity is part of its charm, requiring just four basic ingredients: sugar, cornstarch, water, and coconut milk. While some variations may include eggs, the core recipe remains straightforward. The resulting dessert is surprisingly light, with a soft and creamy texture that’s punctuated by a satisfying firmness. For those who can’t get enough of the rich coconut flavor, haupia is sure to be a delightful treat.
Chocolate Haupia Pie
Meet the ultimate indulgence: Chocolate Haupia Pie. This heavenly treat combines the richness of chocolate, the creaminess of coconut, and the velvety texture of a decadent pie crust. The result is a flavor profile that’s equal parts familiar comfort food and exotic adventure. Imagine a sumptuous blend of fudgy pudding and creamy custard, infused with the subtle nutty flavor of shredded coconut. And yet, this indulgent delight remains satisfyingly rich without being overwhelming.
It’s the perfect treat for anyone who craves a sweet escape from the ordinary.
Hawaiian Dream Cake
Indulging in a slice of this cake is like experiencing a sweet epiphany – ‘They should just call this The Cake.’ It’s a revelation that’s hard to ignore, given the sheer delight it brings. This Hawaiian dessert is a showstopper, boasting a trifecta of cool, creamy, and comforting qualities that will leave your guests in awe.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday or hosting a festive holiday party, this cake is an all-around crowd-pleaser, capable of bringing people together with its universal appeal. As a host, you’ll appreciate its versatility, making it the perfect addition to any gathering – so go ahead and give it a try!
Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
Make a lasting impression on a summer day with our Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple recipe! The sweet and tender pineapple, grilled to perfection in just 20 minutes, will have you hooked. The addition of brown sugar adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist, making it the perfect indulgence. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, leaving you with more time to enjoy the sunshine.
Guava Chiffon Cake
Indulge in the delightful world of Guava Chiffon Cake! This sweet treat has won hearts of many, and once you’ve had a taste, you’ll be hooked. The cake itself is a masterpiece of texture, boasting a soft, fluffy, and moist sponge-like consistency that simply melts in your mouth. But what truly sets it apart is the tropical guava glaze, which adds a subtle sweetness and fruity undertones without overpowering the palate. It’s a match made in heaven!
And let’s be real, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser – everyone will want to take a slice (or two) home with them.
Hawaiian Butter Mochi
Indulge your family in a sweet paradise with this scrumptious Hawaiian Butter Mochi recipe. This decadent dessert boasts an unbeatable combination of textures: the chewy, buttery center and the crunchy crust that adds a delightful contrast to each bite. What’s more, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare and utterly irresistible – making it the perfect treat for any gathering or celebration.
Coconut Macadamia Nut Bars
Experience the ultimate fusion of flavors with these exceptional bars. The combination of chewy coconut and nut filling on a buttery shortbread base is nothing short of divine. But it’s not just the filling that shines – the rich, gooey topping adds an extra layer of indulgence, while the crust takes it to the next level by delivering a satisfying crunch. Unlike traditional coconut bars, these treats offer a unique twist that will satisfy even the most devoted coconut enthusiasts.
Malasadas
Imagine the delightful fusion of crispy and soft textures in every bite of a Malasada – a Portuguese treat that has captured hearts worldwide. These heavenly donuts, rolled in sugar, are an island-inspired delight that can be enjoyed plain or filled with creamy custard, sweet jam, or rich dulce de leche. With each morsel, the perfect balance of crunch and fluffiness will leave you craving more.
Hawaiian Cheesecake Bars
There’s no exaggeration – these Hawaiian Cheesecake Bars are an absolute treat. The combination of sweet and tangy pineapple filling with toasted coconut topping elevates this indulgent dessert to new heights. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or summer gathering, these bars make for the perfect make-ahead dessert option. And the best part? You can store them in the fridge for up to two days ahead of time, ensuring they remain fresh and delicious until serving.
Instant Pot Kulolo
Hawaii’s traditional dessert, Kulolo or taro pudding, is a treat unlike any other. Its soft, chewy texture and deep brown color are just the beginning – the real magic happens when you take a bite and experience the rich, complex flavors at play. At its core, Kulolo is made from steamed taro root and coconut milk, which are then cooked down with brown sugar to create a thick, velvety pudding.
What’s truly remarkable about this dessert, however, is that it can be effortlessly whipped up in an Instant Pot – the perfect way to bring out the best in this beloved treat.
Hawaiian Pineapple Squares
Occasionally, we all crave something sweet to satisfy our cravings. If you’re one such individual, I recommend indulging in the simplicity and delight of Hawaiian Pineapple Squares. This treat is a masterpiece of two layers of crumbly shortbread, elevated by an extraordinary pineapple topping that will leave you wanting more. The best part?
These squares can be whipped up in just five minutes and devoured within ten, providing a blissful 15-minute escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Snowball Cookies
Get ready to taste the tropical spirit! Our Snowball Cookies recipe brings a fun and festive twist to the classic treat. Imagine a snowball fight in the Hawaiian sun instead of the snowy mountains – that’s what these cookies are all about. With crunchy pineapple chunks and toasted coconut flakes on top, you’ll be transported to a tropical paradise with every bite.
Hawaiian Wedding Cakes
Indulge in the tropical bliss of Hawaiian Wedding Cake, a sweet treat that captures the essence of piña colada without the excess sugar. This delectable dessert boasts a refreshing blend of pineapple and coconut flavors, reminiscent of a vacation-inspired delight. The recipe begins with a traditional yellow cake mix, which serves as the perfect canvas for the star of the show: a luscious pineapple layer that infuses itself into the cake’s moist texture.
The pièce de résistance is a dollop of whipped cream frosting, adding a creamy and indulgent touch to each bite. As you take a bite, it’s hard not to feel like you’re celebrating a special occasion – much like a real wedding celebration. This cake is truly a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more.
Chichi Dango
Hawaiians have a profound appreciation for Chichi Dango, which can be described as a culinary delight that transcends its humble appearance. This sweet treat has earned a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike, perhaps due to its unique texture that’s both fluffy and chewy, evoking a sense of pure bliss.
Traditionally made with coconut milk and sugar, Chichi Dango’s flavor profile remains consistent, yet modern variations have introduced a rainbow of flavors, from green tea to mango to coffee. As an on-the-go snack or a comforting companion for everyday indulgence, this mochi delight is hard to resist. When paired with a generous helping of ice cream – the ultimate match made in heaven!
Pumpkin Haupia Pie
For many people, pumpkin pie is an integral part of their culinary experience. While traditional recipes are certainly delightful, there’s something to be said for experimenting with new flavors and textures. This is where the Pumpkin Haupia Pie truly shines.
By combining two beloved Hawaiian desserts – pumpkin and haupia – this recipe creates a unique masterpiece that not only captures the essence of classic pumpkin pie but also introduces a velvety smoothness and richness to the filling, thanks in part to the addition of haupia.
Hawaiian Tarts
Indulge your senses with a tropical getaway in every bite of these scrumptious Hawaiian Tarts. The key to their irresistible charm lies in the homemade buttery crust and the sweet, tangy pineapple filling – which, incidentally, is best sourced from a can due to the elusiveness of fresh pineapple in many parts of the country. But it’s the coconut whipped cream topping that truly transports you to a paradise of flavors, evoking memories of exotic desserts with tiny paper umbrellas.
Whether you’re looking for a daily indulgence or a show-stopping party treat, these tarts are sure to delight.
Hawaiian Pineapple Poke Pie
Indulge in a tropical getaway without leaving home with our scrumptious coconut poke cake! This delectable dessert is made by layering a simple vanilla cake with a rich coconut cream pudding, topping it off with whipped goodness, and finishing it off with a crunchy sprinkle of toasted macadamia nuts. The pineapple-infused filling will transport you to a sunny beachside paradise, where the warm sand between your toes is the only thing missing.
Lilikoi Bars (Passionfruit Bars)
Get ready to indulge in the tangy and sweet Lilikoi Bars, a Hawaiian-inspired treat that will tantalize your taste buds! For those unfamiliar with lilikoi juice, it’s the tropical version of passion fruit juice – sometimes sweet, sometimes sour, but always bursting with flavor. These bars boast a crunchy shortbread crust topped with a velvety lilikoi filling, crafted from a simple mixture of sweetened condensed milk, lilikoi juice, eggs, and flour. The pièce de résistance?
A dollop of stabilized whipped cream adds a luxurious touch. As they are, these Lilikoi Bars are the perfect treat to satisfy your cravings.
Hula Pie
Imagine a dessert so divine that it borders on obsession. Enter the Hula Pie, a sweet indulgence that’s hard to resist. This treat is born when macadamia nuts are transformed into creamy ice cream, which is then nestled in a crunchy cookie crust and topped with rich fudge, fluffy whipped cream, and an extra sprinkle of those addictive nuts for good measure.
It’s no surprise that the mere thought of this indulgent dessert can leave you craving every last crumb, just as you might when savoring a satisfying meal at your favorite restaurant.
Hawaiian Sweet Roll Berry Bread Pudding
Indulge in the sweet serendipity of leftover rolls transformed into a tropical Sweet Roll Berry Bread Pudding. This delectable dessert repurposes weekend brunch leftovers, combining the doughy sweetness of rolls with fresh seasonal berries. A drizzle of easy lemon sauce, an additional berry garnish, and a generous dollop of whipped cream elevate this treat to an irresistible experience, begging the question: ‘May I have another serving, please?’
Pineapple Coconut Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
Imagine yourself as a busy entrepreneur with limited time to spare, craving something sweet and indulgent yet still requiring minimal effort in the kitchen. You’re in luck! We’ve got just the treat for you – a scrumptious Pineapple Coconut Hawaiian Sweet Roll that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. This delightful dessert features a delicious filling of pineapple and coconut, topped with a tangy pineapple glaze. But don’t stop there!
Add some crunchy macadamia nuts for an added layer of island-inspired flavor and texture – trust us, you won’t regret it.
The bottom line
Hawaii, a paradise of breathtaking beauty, pleasant weather, and a vibrant culinary scene, is a treasure trove of mouthwatering desserts. The islands’ sweet treats are not only a reflection of its cultural heritage but also a testament to the creativity and passion of its people. Whether you’re a foodie looking to indulge in new flavors or simply seeking a taste of paradise, these heavenly Hawaiian desserts are sure to transport you to a tropical state of mind.
With their unique blend of traditional ingredients and modern twists, they offer an unforgettable experience that’s hard to resist. So why not take your taste buds on a journey to Hawaii by trying out some of these recipes or visiting a local eatery that serves up a slice of Hawaiian heaven? The islands’ dessert culture is sure to leave you with sweet memories and a craving for more.
